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The Citizens recorded their 15th successive win in the Premier League as they walloped their hapless opponents
After a euphoric weekend and actions off the pitch that have garnered more media attention than the game itself, the mid-week fixtures of the Premier League did more than settle City’s title credentials. A consecutive 15th win for the Citizens means that the gap at the top of the table was maintained.
David Silva once again led the way, scoring a brace while Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero chipped in with a goal each. Manchester City did dish out the hiding to the Welsh club as expected and ensured that the Welsh club finished at the bottom of the Premier League at the end of Gameweek 17 fixtures.
The match though served up quite a few moments and here is a look at the talking points of that game:
#5 Silva the artist with the will to win of an “animal”
At the end of the game, Guardiola was quizzed about David Silva and the manager simply praised the will of Silva comparing it to that of an animal. In recent weeks, Silva has been instrumental in the title challenge. His game-changing goals in the past three games have come at a crucial time, and have eased the pressure on the strikers in the Manchester City team.
If De Bruyne was the pacesetter in the early stages of the Premier League, it is now Silva who has taken over the reins. His deceptive turns and the ability to read the game two or three passes ahead of the opposition makes him a problem for any side facing City.
His performance was so mesmerizing that it led Gary Lineker, the former English striker to comment on social media that it was worth watching the game just for the Spanish maestro. In fact, it left all the pundits gushing at the magic the Spaniard created on the pitch.
The Spanish playmaker may have shed his locks but the silky moves remain in tact. In fact, Silva’s new look goes with the steel and attitude of this City team which registered their 15th win on the trot. This team is well placed on the path to be the “New Invincibles” with Silva at the centre of it.
#4 Creative solutions required to rescue Swansea City
While much better teams have been thrashed by Manchester City this season, it was Swansea’s ineffectiveness over the pitch that may be the biggest concern for Paul Clement. The Welsh side came nowhere close to challenging the Premier League leaders and the statistics back that up as well.
Swansea had mere 22 percent possession, while they could manage only 3 shots on target. The players though couldn’t be blamed for not trying as they tried to break up play by committing 12 fouls over the entirety of the game. More importantly, the lack of possession for a meaningful period of time meant that the home side was more busy thwarting attacks rather than creating any chances.
The Swans goalscorer at the weekend, Wilfred Bony, could hardly make an impact against his former club. January cannot come soon enough for the Swans as they look to strengthen a side woefully short of creative options.
#3 The other Silva lights up the game
Such has been the intensity if David Silva this season, that one at times forgets the other Silva at Manchester City. The Portuguese who came in the summer for a sum of 50 million Euros from the French side, Monaco was as masterful as his namesake on Wednesday evening.
His easy on the eyes style of passing added to the glamour quotient of this City side. And this was truly on show when he set up the final goal of the game for Sergio Aguero, who was back in the team after missing out against Manchester United at the weekend.
The Portuguese have had his debut season hampered by injuries and acclimatization. However, that hasn’t deterred Pep from reposing his faith in this midfield schemer. Guardiola’s team has also been boosted by the return of Gundogan in recent weeks and their influential captain, Vincent Kompany-- a victim of constant injuries who has returned to full form.
#2 Paul Clement faces tough task ahead
Speaking at the end of the game, Paul Clement stated, “At times it was horrible to be on the sideline watching that, seeing my side trying but suffering for long periods. They're not the games that will decide our season but it was hard to watch at times because they were so dominant. For me, they (Manchester City) are one of the best sides I've ever come across - so many good athletes, so many intelligent footballers and it's really hard to pin them down.”
While Clement was gracious enough in defeat, he is aware that the result against Manchester City was an expected outcome. In the coming weeks, the Swans will face Everton and Crystal Palace before heading to Anfield for the Boxing Day fixture.
If the Swans are to haul themselves out of the relegation zone, then they will have to start picking up points against opponents in and around them. Palace seems rejuvenated under Roy Hodgson and West Bromwich Albion managed a creditable draw against Liverpool on Wednesday evening as West Ham United held off Arsenal.
Clement needs to sort out his team and will hope to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window if they are to continue their stay in the Premier League.
#1 Manchester City’s potential enemy – Complacency
City’s win meant they set a record of 15 successive league wins within a single season. Having equalled the record against their greatest rivals at the weekend, it was expected that City would stroll to a win. Pep sure seems to be in a hurry and one cannot blame him either.
After having served up a trophyless campaign in his first season in charge at City, Guardiola is looking to make amends and one feels that Guardiola wants to create a breathing space for his squad members ahead of the hectic winter schedule.
City continue to compete in all four competitions and at the turn of the year, the cup games will come thick and fast. Hence a cushion of 11 points at the top means that if the side even has a couple of off weeks, they will still be in a position to win the title.
Guardiola has done well to adapt his style of play to the demands of English football and this was evidenced by his post-match interview as he stated, “We can lose, we can drop points but complacency, it has never happened in the past, the present or the future. Winning 15 games in a row gives us a lot of confidence. If people are happy watching us, that is the best gift”
